A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nha Trang vs. Nelson for Nightlife, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Nha Trang or Nelson?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Nha Trang and Nelson. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Nha Trang

Nha Trang is a vibrant, high energy, and coastal city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches. See Nha Trang travel costs.

Nelson

Nelson is a adventure-filled, natural, and beautiful city. The beauty of Nelson is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking. See Nelson travel costs.

Nha Trang and Nelson: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nha Trang or Nelson?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Nelson than Nha Trang. While Nha Trang is larger than Nelson, Nelson has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nelson is very popular for its food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Nha Trang attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, and scuba diving & snorkeling. Nha Trang is more touristy than Nelson and is popular for its backpacker-heavy nightlife scene, its long sandy beaches, and its beachside resorts. Nelson is famous for its stunning national parks, beautiful coastline, and outdoor adventures. It is also well known for Abel Tasman National Park.

How is Nha Trang different from Nelson?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Nelson and Nha Trang. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nha Trang or Nelson?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Nha Trang and Nelson.

Nha Trang offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. While most people visit for the beaches and nightlife in the area, there are also several cultural sights worth visiting. Ponagar Tower, Long Son Pagoda, and XQ Historical Village are all interesting to visit. If you're looking for a thrill, also nearby is Vinpearl Land.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Nelson. While most people spend their time enjoying the nature-oriented activities, there are several museums in the area as well. Founder's Heritage Park Museum is a village-like setting that you can explore. There's also the Nelson Classic Car Museum and local art and craft galleries that are fun to walk through.

Is the Food Better in Nha Trang or Nelson? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nelson is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Nha Trang is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Nelson has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Local ingredients, vineyards, and craft breweries all make the foodie scene around town interesting. There are many great restaurants that offer seasonal menus that change with the season. Eating is an experience in town, and locals take pride in the food they produce.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Nha Trang area. Seafood is the most common option in many restaurants. You'll find local curries and spring rolls on many menus. Fish sauce is often served with dishes and many recipes have a sweet flavor. If you need a break from Vietnamese food, there are also restaurants that serve pizza, burgers, and other common international dishes.

Is Nha Trang or Nelson Better for Nightlife?

Nha Trang is renowned for nightlife. Also, Nelson is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Nha Trang is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The nightlife scene is varied and caters to all types of travelers. There are glamorous rooftop bars and lounges, beachside parties, and booze cruises that cater to the backpacker crowd. The city is big enough to have options for everyone.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Nelson. The city attracts a good tourist crowd, and there are bars and clubs that keep things interesting late into the evening.

Is Nha Trang or Nelson Better for Resorts?

Nha Trang is a city with good options for its resorts. However, Nelson is not a resort destination.

Nha Trang has a handful of resorts to choose from. There's a mix of budget guesthouses and hostels, luxury beachfront resorts, and everything in between.

Nelson is not a resort destination.

Is Nha Trang or Nelson Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Nha Trang is a moderate city for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Nelson is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Snorkeling is an option in Nha Trang. Snorkeling is a bit tricky here, because you need to visit during the right season and you'll need to hop on a tour to get to the best spots. If you're lucky you'll have good visibility and see some interesting marine life.

Nelson is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nha Trang or Nelson Better for Beaches?

Nelson is very popular for the beach. Also, Nha Trang is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the beach.

Nelson offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Beaches in the area are sandy and most are great for swimming. There are many water sports available as well such as kayaking, kite surfing, and paddleboarding. You'll find locals and tourists alike hanging out at the beach and enjoying a barbecue.

Nha Trang is a good option for a beach vacation. The accessible beaches are very developed and filled with vacationers who are looking for fun activities. The sands are white and soft and the water is comfortable and fun to splash around in.

Is Nha Trang or Nelson Better for Hiking?

Nelson is very popular for hiking. However, Nha Trang is not a hiking destination.

Nelson is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The area is filled with walking and hiking trails that wander along the coast and soak up the spectacular views. There are also three national parks in the area that are filled with trails. Abel Tasman National Park, Kahurangi National Park, and Nelson Lakes National Park each have their own environments and scenery to explore.

Nha Trang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nha Trang or Nelson?

If you're looking to go shopping, Nha Trang and Nelson both offer plenty of nice spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Nha Trang. There are some local street markets that are fun to explore. There are also the typical shops and supermarkets that sell local produce, souvenirs, and any other essentials that you may have forgotten.

Many visitors go to Nelson to go shopping. There are weekly markets in the area and a variety of retail shops where you can pick up anything you might need.

Is Nha Trang or Nelson More Beautiful?

Nelson is a great city for its scenery and beauty. However, Nha Trang is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Nelson is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The city is surrounded by beautiful scenery and wonderful outdoor environments.

Nha Trang is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Nha Trang or Nelson Better for Families?

Nelson is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Nha Trang is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Nelson is very family-friendly. Surrounded by family-friendly national parks, this city has a number of things for kids to do. In particularly, Abel Tasman National Park is a highlight for kids, with canoeing, sailing and other activities. Kids will also enjoy a visit to Cable Bay Adventure Park or seeing the historically themed Founders Park.

Nha Trang is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. While it is known among the backpacker crowds for its party scene, there are also great beaches and many activities for families. Vinpearl Land is an amusement park in the area that has rides and shows. There's also Po Nagar Cham Towers and Long Son Pagoda, which are both interesting to visit. The beaches also make a great playground for kids who enjoy building sand castles and playing in the shallow water.

Is Nha Trang or Nelson Better for Couples?

Nelson is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, Nha Trang is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Nelson is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Wilderness, national parks, beaches, and mountain scenery make this a wonderful couples destination. The area also has beautiful vineyards and gardens as well hiking and outdoor adventures.

Nha Trang is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are several romantic hotels near the beach as well as some interesting cultural activities and beautiful beaches with water activities.

Is Nha Trang or Nelson Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nelson is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Nha Trang is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Nelson is extremely popular for backpackers. There are many hostels in the area as well as outdoor activities and adventure sports that backpackers will love.

Nha Trang is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers looking for a party head to the streets around Biệt Thự Street. There are many cheap hostels and guesthouses in the area, and you won't be far from the area's best nightlife.

Is Nha Trang or Nelson Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Nha Trang is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Nelson is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Nha Trang has a few public transit options. There are six city bus routes. There are also many taxis and motorbike taxes available for reasonable rates.

Public transit is mostly limited in Nelson. The city has a local bus network, but to efficiently explore everything that the area has to offer, you'll want to have a car.

Is Nha Trang or Nelson a more walkable city?

Nha Trang and Nelson are very good when it comes to walkability.

Nha Trang is a very walkable city. The city is compact enough that you can explore many parts on foot. Most of the attractions are near the intersection of Tran Phu and Biet Thu.

Nelson is a very walkable destination. There are many great walks in the area and its a wonderful way to get around.

For even more information, also check out Is Nha Trang Worth Visiting? and Is Nelson Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nelson or Nha Trang?

How long in Nha Trang or Nelson?

In either Nha Trang or Nelson, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Nelson than Nha Trang because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Nha Trang, and 3-5 days is enough time in Nelson.

Families should spend more time in Nelson than Nha Trang. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Nelson, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Nelson than Nha Trang. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Nelson that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nelson than Nha Trang if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Nelson.

One day in Nha Trang or Nelson?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Nha Trang. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Nelson. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Nha Trang or Nelson?

Nha Trang is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the outdoorsy destination of Nelson. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Nha Trang or Nelson?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nha Trang. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find nightlife and food around the adventure-filled city of Nelson. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Nha Trang or Nelson?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant destination of Nha Trang. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Nelson is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Vietnam, The Best Adventure Tours to Vietnam, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nha Trang and Nelson, we can see that Nelson is more expensive. And not only is Nha Trang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Nha Trang is in Asia and Nelson is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Nha Trang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nha Trang and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Nelson would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nelson than you might in Nha Trang.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nha Trang Expensive? and Is Nelson Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nha Trang or Nelson?

Nha Trang has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Nelson. When comparing the sizes of Nha Trang and Nelson, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.